Selfless, Thankless Acts Of Service - Small Kindnesses With The Potential To Change The World

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Selfless, Thankless Acts Of Service - Small Kindnesses With The Potential To Change The World

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Selfless, Thankless Acts Of Service - Small Kindnesses With The Potential To Change The World

13 min read JAN 21, 2026

Key Takeaways

It seems at the heart of national calendar days lies opportunity - the opportunity to celebrate life’s simple joys and ultimately share joy with others. So, in light of February 16th’s National Do A Grouch A Favor Day, we’re taking some time to explore the impact of service, looking at how our interactions with others, and more importantly a desire to serve others without gratitude (aka favors), can ultimately change our world for the better.

Taking joy in simple life pleasures can help to shift our focus to good, then as we view others in this light, it can increase empathy and ultimately our desire to serve our fellow man, even without thanks.
What is service all about and what kind of impact can it have on society?
How can we better serve others - strangers, neighbors, coworkers, friends, family, etc.

In 2009, Apple etched a phrase into the minds of many, a catchy commercial jingle now trademarked to signify that this brand, this company, had an answer to solve just about any problem life could throw at you.

Do you know which phrase we’re referring to?

“There’s an app for that…”

Now, does Apple truly have a remedy to all of life’s problems, through apps or otherwise? Of course not.

But, this is the exact phrase that comes to mind when I think of National Days.

As you probably know, there’s a day for everything on the National Calendar.

Being a Lifebooster, you’ve been clued in to several - including National Coffee Day, Tea Day, Donut Day, or even National Dog Day, International Day of Friendship, etc.

How does this relate to Apple’s jingle, you’re asking?

While tech companies may not have an answer to solve all of life’s problems, the National Calendar just might!

From foods to friends, pets to politics, service, kindness, giving, and more, the National Calendar seems to cover it all.

And, maybe, just maybe, therein lies the answer to life’s problems…
When was the last time you slowed down to think of the joy a simple slice of pizza can bring to your day? (National Pizza Day, anyone?)

When other than ‘Pi day’ do you take the time to consciously engage in making a pie with or for your loved ones?

What about friendship - whose life isn’t bettered by the reminder to slow down and think of the friendships they are blessed with in life, even taking such an opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude for such relationships?

Then, there are days we sometimes chuckle at, when hearing the name in passing - Do A Grouch A Favor Day!

When you truly think about it though, these days are what we need more of in today’s world.

At the heart of Do A Grouch A Favor Day, there’s a mirror, one which reminds us when we encounter folks who aren’t always so pleasant, that…

we all have days where we’re guilty of being less than kind
we’ve all been on the receiving end of unpleasant behavior, but responding in kindness is what prompts both help and change
serving others (what’s truly behind this national calendar day) doesn’t have to come with applause
doing things for others can change our mindset, our actions, and ultimately the world

What if this is what these national calendar days are all about - allowing us to return to the practice of finding joy in the little things and making it a regular habit or practice to consider others, to serve those around us without expecting anything in return.

I get it, that’s a lengthy introduction.

And, some of you might even be thinking, “hmmm, that connection's a bit of a stretch,” but in light of what’s been shared thus far I’d like to invite you to join us on a people-focused journey for the next few moments.

Then after our trek, as you implement some of the following tips and thoughts, tell me if you don’t slowly find your world shifting a bit, seeing…

the heart over what you might hear from others
the need over the newsreel
and essentially, seeing the good over the grouch!

The Impact Of Serving Others

The notion of doing a favor for someone, whether they come off as grouchy or not, is essentially hitting on the topic of service.

Whether you’re sharing a smile with a stranger, complimenting a seemingly grumpy cashier, responding in kindness to a hostile customer, or simply paying it forward with a cup of coffee, you are, in fact, serving others.

Service is multifaceted, of course, and we’ll cover a variety of those areas in a moment, but let’s first be reminded of what service is all about, including the impact it can have on our friends, neighbors, the strangers we often meet, and in turn the world as a whole.

Empathy

Personally, I believe empathy to be a needed root of true service.

Anytime we seek to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, this can immediately shape our response to others.

And, when it comes to service, keeping this type of mindset can truly cause our efforts to have a greater impact as we begin to understand another’s situation or experience.

That seemingly rude cashier at Target? How do you know he or she didn’t go through an unimaginable tragedy moments before coming into work?
In other words, “be kind, you never know what someone else is going through” is a common, but powerfully needed, saying.

Action

Service involves action, particularly those actions which seek to improve the lives of others.

It’s easy to have kind thoughts and good intentions, and those are definitely good things, but putting those intentions into action is where service truly happens.

See beauty, speak beauty? I love that phrase because it moves me out of my mind and into a mode of service where I can channel the gratefulness I have for others into ways which seek to improve someone’s day/life through volunteering, donating, giving, or serving.

Support

Serving also includes supporting people and/or causes you align with or believe in.
I mentioned above how service is multifaceted, and the notion of support kind of explains this a little further:

Volunteering at a community clean up event can be a way to serve your community, and for those with a passion for the environment, this alignment can allow you to serve with greater meaning and impact.
Donating your time at a youth or senior center meets needs, brings joys, and improves the lives of others. When this is something you’re passionate about, such service also improves your own mood and mindset.
Donating funds to organizations, charities, research, outreach programs, etc. is also a way to serve others, this option specifically helping others by meeting direct needs that you may not be able to meet with a hands-on approach.
Small acts of kindness, such as buying a friend, coworker, or stranger a cup of coffee supports others in more ways than you might think. You never know what such a gesture, even a small one, can do to brighten someone’s day or life.
Small gestures such as smiles and compliments also serve others. We commonly don’t think of these things as ways to support people, but have you ever considered how a kind word or smile makes you feel? Imagine if this was a regular way of life for everyone on our planet? I’m fully convinced that life would improve for all if this was entirely common. When you smile at someone or pay them a compliment, it makes the person feel seen, even understood, and valued.

Positive Power

This is closely linked to support, but I’ve included it here as positivity is truly the result of service.

When we have empathy for others and allow this to shape our mindset, prompting us to act, this fuels service.

Such service seeks to improve the lives of others, even choosing to see the person behind any perceived problem, infused with a genuine desire to simply make a positive difference in the world.

Simply stated, when you routinely seek to be a light, to serve others any way you can (big or small), this is powerfully positive, sending ripples of kindness out into the world which will no doubt reverberate.

In fact, before we move on, let’s take a few moments to examine the impact service can have…

1- Service Connects

When you seek to serve others, whether through a smile, a paid grocery bill, giving what feels like undeserved kindness, through volunteering, or even charitable donations, you are opening the door for connection.

Obvious means of connection here include those service opportunities which involve collaborative efforts, as coming together with others to serve your neighborhood or community often provide ways to connect.

But, connection also occurs each time we feel seen or heard.

Perhaps you know of a ‘grouch’ at your office? Or, maybe you’ve deemed the barista at your local cafe to be somewhat of a ‘grump’?

Trading those judgments for empathy, and serving such people by being kind, speaking kindness, or performing an act of kindness in response, provides a positive avenue of connection.

2- Service Breeds Joy

When you serve others, you are putting joy out into the world. And, at the same time, you’re also receiving joy, whether you realize it or not.

When we give to or serve others, studies show such acts reduce stress, increase happiness, boost self esteem, and more.

So, while we don’t want to be serving only to receive, you really are caring for yourself when you choose to care for others.

The best part, this essentially creates a circle of joy.

As you do for others, you’re spreading joy. When someone receives joy, they in turn seek to share it. And, as your happiness and self-esteem improve when serving, you seek to serve more. See…a circle!

3- Service Inspires

As you can see from the point above, the circle of joy created from service is indeed inspiring.

This is why you’ll find experts and common people (like me) alike who will readily tell you serving others, especially thankless types of service, only makes you want to serve more.
Small acts of kindness inspire other acts of kindness. Coming together with others in your community to serve those in need inspires greater service…and on and on.

I suppose you could say, service is contagious, and contagious service can change the world!

The services provided which positively impact human health, safety, education, and more are often rooted in selfless, thankless acts of service.

Without these, the world would be a truly dark place.

But these acts of service, whether we realize it or not, are often inspired by smaller, simpler kindnesses we routinely bestow upon our neighbors, community members, colleagues, and friends.

Remember - Your intentions matter. Your actions matter. Your kindness matters. Your service to others matters.

So then, what are some ways you can better serve those around you?

How Can You Better Serve Others?

A common theme throughout many spiritual and philosophical teachings says ‘true service happens when you do for others and can’t/don’t receive anything in return.’

No rewards, no reciprocity, no thanks…just giving of yourself to and for the betterment of others.

Serving others without expecting anything in return, or serving when you know there’s no way you’ll be directly rewarded or thanked? This is true service.

And, the idea behind this type of service, I believe with all my heart, can change the world!

So then, how can you better serve others?

What are some ways you can not only do a favor for someone who may seem like they need a boost in their day, but also simply live a life that seeks to bring joy and happiness to those around you?

1- Think About It, Look For It

Have you ever thought about a red car, and suddenly you tend to see more red cars?

This is called the frequency illusion, a phenomenon occurring due to selective attention in your brain.

This can occur with anything you give attention to in your mind, even service.

So, if you’re looking for ways to serve others or improve the lives of those around you, start thinking about ways to do so, and doors will likely open.

For instance, if you speak positive affirmations daily, consider including phrases such as, “I seek to better the lives of those near me,” or “I desire to serve others,” and “I look for ways to be a blessing to those in my life.”

While these might seem like abnormal affirmations, such thinking can aid your mind in recognizing ways to serve others in everyday life.

2- Start Small

The entire notion of “Do Something Nice For A Grouch Day” emphasizes the importance of and impact small acts of kindness can have on those around us.

So, when seeking to selflessly serve others, start by:

opening the door for a stranger
making a point to speak kindly to service personnel
smiling at the person next to you in line at the store
helping your neighbor with an outdoor task
bringing a cup of coffee to your child’s teacher in the morning

3- Let It Grow

As we discussed above, service is contagious.

But, this concept doesn’t only describe how such acts spur others on to kindness; it also tells of how our own actions can grow.

Perhaps what started as a conscious effort to serve your neighbor has created a greater desire within you to give back?

Here, we recommend evaluating what matters most to you. Then, select causes or charities which align with those passions, giving back in service accordingly.

Personally, I have a heart for littles and their mommas.

I’m naturally drawn to babies, toddlers, and children of all ages, and being a mother, I also hold a dear place for other mothers in my heart.

Because of this, I routinely find myself smiling at and complimenting these groups. And honestly, those actions alone have led to opportunities for me to befriend young mothers and then offer help or service in any way I can (babysitting, cooking a meal, simply sending a positive or encouraging text, finding helpful resources for those in need, etc.).

In other words, think in kindness, act in kindness, then pursue the opening of doors related to your passions/compassions.

Need a few specific ideas to spark your servitude?

When looking to selflessly serve those around you (and beyond), consider the following ideas/specifics:

Clean up your subdivision or neighborhood
Help your neighbor with their trash/snow removal/mowing chores
Pay for the person behind you at a cafe, grocery store, etc. (especially for those folks who seem like they need their spirits lifted)
Hold the door for a stranger
Show empathy to those you encounter
Be positive, be a listener, be encouraging (not just to loved ones, but also to strangers, etc)
Compliment cashiers, customer service agents/reps
Listen well when others speak to you
Let smiling at others become your new “favorite” (In the words of Buddy the Elf)
Leave a kind note and a nice tip for your waiter/waitress
Send an encouraging text to a coworker or friend
Be a helpful member of your family
Visit lonely family members or neighbors
Donate items to a shelter (homeless, women’s shelter, men’s shelter)
Donate items to a food bank
Volunteer at a shelter or food bank
Volunteer at an animal shelter
Volunteer or mentor at your local school or library
Offer to lend a hand to mothers or parents of young children in your neighborhood
Donate blood
Share your skills within your community (art, music, woodworking, etc)

Each of these opportunities for service allow you to give back, brighten days, and spread joy and kindness to others.

Will you join us in seeking to spread such kindness to others through selfless, even thankless, service?

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Grata Medium Roast.

Becky Livingston Vance Content writer

Becky is a mother, educator, and content writer for Lifeboost Coffee. She has had three years’ experience as a writer, and in that time she has enjoyed creatively composing articles and ebooks covering the topics of coffee, health and fitness, education, recipes, and relationships.

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